Support Our Schools
The Manhattan Beach Education Foundation will host a weeklong community fundraising campaign, “Support Our Schools,” March 21-28 to offset budget cuts to the Manhattan Beach Unified School District. Throughout the campaign, local businesses will give a portion of proceeds of their choosing to MBEF. So far, the campaign has more than 50 participating businesses pledging various “give back” offers.
“For one week only, you can dine and shop at your favorite Manhattan Beach businesses and make a big difference for students and teachers – all at the same time,” said Hilary Mahan, MBEF executive director. “Support Our Schools is a great opportunity for our community’s businesses and customers to support Manhattan Beach schools in a simple, yet impactful way, as students, teachers and staff depend on the funds raised through MBEF to bolster much-needed educational programs.”
The need is significant. Only a small portion of Manhattan Beach property taxes goes toward education. MBUSD is the second-lowest funded district in California and is ranked 37th out of 50 states. Facing a structural budget deficit, the MBUSD school board recently approved $3.6 million in reductions, including the layoffs of 38 employees.
Businesses interested in being part of the “Support Our Schools” campaign can visit www.mbef.org/supportourschools.
Correction
An article last week regarding the Manhattan Beach Unified School District’s budget reductions incorrectly stated that zero period will be entirely eliminated at Manhattan Beach Middle School. Only the sixth grade zero period will be eliminated in the next school year.
